Page 14 of Perfectly Charmed Pixie

Inhaling, I tried to relax, though the effort was difficult. “As I said before, I need a charm—multiple copies.” I thought about those words before amending. “Unless you are more talented than my last warlock and can craft something that will last longer.” I had no idea what the limitations were. Suddenly, I realized this issue with Lance might not be the tragedy I envisioned. Perhaps another warlock could craft something better. Lately, Lance’s charms hadn’t been top quality.

“I suppose that remains to be seen. What is it you need?”

I’d had to activate my last remaining charm this morning. Firmly attached to my thigh, I had no intention of removing it unless absolutely necessary. I didn’t know if the old one would be enough, but I fished it out of my pocket, laying it on the counter.

Vander glanced my way before he picked it up, turning the small crystal in his hands. When activated, it sparkled clear and white. Dead, it was little more than a gray thundercloud, all its magic used up.

“A concealment charm?” Vander’s eyelids slid closed, twittering. His long, thick, black lashes fluttered, and I could see his eyes move below his lids. “No, nothing that simple. This is a…” Vander’s eyes flew open. “This isn’t meant to conceal. It’s meant to enhance, to obfuscate.”

Dropping the charm like it was pure poison, Vander’s gaze bored into me. “These charms aren’t without consequence. The cost is very high.”

I’d come prepared and pulled out my phone, bringing up my substantial bank account. I didn’t want to transfer the funds directly, but I could pull cash out and pay upfront. “Price isn’t a concern.” I had no idea what Vander charged for something like this. So far, he hadn’t acted like it was beyond his skill, only that it would be expensive. I probably should have been a little savvier, but I was desperate.

“You misunderstand. I said it was costly, not expensive.” Vander sounded half-disgusted.

“I don’t understand the difference.” Cost, price, expense… They all sounded the same to me and added up to a lot of dollar signs.

“That’s obvious.” Vander crossed his arms, his biceps pushing at the long-sleeved shirt covering them. “Cost is something far different from money. At least in this case. Tell me, how much of your life force did this other warlock make you give up for this?” Vander waved at hand at the useless crystal as if it were toxic.

I waved off his concern. If that was his only hang-up, maybe I could allay his concerns. “Just a week, give or take a day or two.”

“Just a week? Give or take a day or two?That’s it? And that seemed acceptable to you?”

I bristled at the judgment. “Yes. It was very acceptable.”

“Sweet Gaia.” Vander ran a hand through his hair, tugging at it. “Nothing in this world could be important enough to cover up to warrant such a cost.” Flicking his finger, Vander spun the exhausted charm across the counter. “I don’t even want to know how long you’ve been using this type of magic, how many of these you’ve activated. How much of your life you’ve given up on something as superficial as how you look.”

Vander’s words deadened me. Warlocks didn’t understand. No one other than another social pixie would. Appearance was everything.

Ignoring the brutal judgment, I asked, “Can you do it? Or is it beyond your skill?”

“Oh, I can do it, all right. But I won’t. I’ll not contribute to another living creature’s early demise. No amount of money is worth that.” Vander seemed angrier than the situation warranted.

“You don’t even know me. I’m just a worthless social pixie in your eyes. What do you care what I do with my life? It’s mine, not yours. My decision. My choice. I don’t see how that affects you.”

“Worthless? Is that the way you see yourself?” Vander asked, his mood shifting but the anger remaining.

“No, but that’s clearly what you thought when Byx told you what kind of pixie I am.”

Shame briefly flared across Vander’s features.

“I can guarantee you, when the end of my life comes, I will not hold you personally responsible for its brevity.”

This time, Vander’s laugh was anything but joyful. “You might not, but I will, and that’s not something I want on my conscience. As I said before, there is nothing you can offer me that will convince me to do this.” Again, Vander waved at the deadened charm with disgust.

Snatching my charm back, I shoved it into my pocket, along with my phone. Wrapping my shawl tightly around my shoulders, I flew toward the door. I tried not to let Vander Kines’s words hurt, but I’d be lying if I said they didn’t.

Hand on the door, I turned, flipping my ombre aqua hair over my shoulder. Eyes narrowed, I stared at the glowing, crimson ring encircling his finger. The thing had lit up when he’d walked into the room, its flare dimming and brightening. Red didn’t seem like an endearing color.

“You might want to cover that mood ring of yours,” I said, tone as scathing as I could make it. “It’s beyond insulting, having its crimson color shout your anger and disgust. Plus, mood rings are just plain tacky and went out of style decades ago.”

I pushed the door open and flew out into the blustery air. Even the dim winter sun couldn’t warm the ice encasing my heart. If Vander didn’t want my business and money, that was one thing. He hadn’t needed to sound so condescending about it.

What I’d said was true. It wasmylife. I could live it the way I wanted, do with it what I wanted. Why couldn’t he understand that?

ChapterSix

Vander

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